This new work for Cass Sculpture Foundation, borrows its form from the curved, mosaic walls found in the animal enclosures of the Beijing Zoo. Wang Wei developed an interest in the architecture of the zoo enclosures as spaces that function as framing devices. Wang finds these architectural constructions fascinating examples of a desire to construct environments for both inhabitants to feel more at home and for their viewers to imagine the inhabitants’ ‘natural’ environment. For Panorama 2, Wang has ‘borrowed’ a view from within the grounds of CASS, replicating it in another part of the grounds. The separation of this landscape from its original context produces an indefinable and illusionary experience. The installation has been separated from its original location providing a double displacement of imagery – creating a new image in a different setting by obscuring the existing view. However, Wang has designed the wall with a small doorway, allowing viewers to glimpse the vista beyond.

Share:

About The Artist

Wang Wei is a multidisciplinary installation artist whose work often examines how the navigation of physical space informs our lived reality. Wang often produces installations that viewers can enter, encouraging a psychological as well as physical exploration of space. Wang’s practice demonstrates his interest in the architectural elements that structure our surroundings. He is concerned with emphasising the human influence that is visible or invisible in our environment. Wang’s works are often influenced by his photography. He uses photography as a starting point to provide the inspiration for his new work and for their documentary ability to facilitate the reproduction of spaces. His recent work has addressed environments as diverse as the Beijing Zoo, the patterns of the mosaic walls found in Southern China and the summer home of Mao Zedong. Through these works, he creates new critical approaches to address the historical, social and political implications of spaces.